Western publications are commenting this morning on yesterday's celebrations of Ukraine's Independence Day, and in particular - the efforts to achieve peace, the current US position on the issue, as well as the surprise visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the celebrations in Kiev, writes BTA.
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Independence Day with a speech in the central square in Kiev, reminding Ukrainians that they are still fighting for freedom, writes “The New York Times“. Zelensky expressed hope that in the future “on this square, on the Maidan of our Independence, under our own flags, on our own land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day in peace“.
The publication also commented on the current diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump to end the war, but experts quoted by it doubt that Russia is sincere in its attempts to end the conflict. Thus, the director of the independent Network for New Geopolitical Studies in Kiev, Mykhailo Samus, stated that most Ukrainians do not believe that Putin has any intention of reaching a peace agreement, and the country expects more violence in the coming months. “Of course, Russian offensives and strikes will continue. Trump thought that the red carpet would impress Putin, Putin just wants to take over Ukraine and is not interested in money or red carpets“, he added. The chairman of the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, Oleksandr Merezhko, in turn, said that achieving peace this year "is absolutely impossible" and that "negotiations are a tool of war for Russia."
The British "Independent" notes how Zelensky said during his speech that the end of the war would mean a "guarantee of peace" for Ukraine. "We are all working to ensure that the end of this war will mean a guarantee of peace for Ukraine, so that neither war nor the threat of war is left as a legacy to our children," Zelensky told dignitaries gathered in Kiev. Zelensky has previously said he wants future security guarantees as part of a potential peace deal to be as close as possible to NATO's Article 5, which considers an attack on one member state as an attack on all.
The publication notes in a separate article that Zelensky hailed Britain's King Charles III as a "true inspiration" after the monarch sent a letter of support for Ukraine's Independence Day. "We appreciate Britain's leadership in supporting Ukraine and our just cause: to defend freedom from tyranny and ensure lasting peace in Ukraine and across Europe," Zelensky said on social media. "The Independent" notes that Zelensky's warm words follow London's announcement that Operation Interflex will be extended until 2026 - the scheme by which the British military trains Ukrainian soldiers.
“Zelensky promises to push Russia towards peace as Ukrainians celebrate Independence Day“, in turn, notes the British “Guardian“. At the same time, Zelensky insisted that a meeting with Vladimir Putin remains “the most effective way forward“. "Hope for peace was dashed on Friday when Russia ruled out any immediate meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, but Zelensky said "the format of talks between leaders is the most effective way forward," renewing calls for a bilateral summit, as Trump had wanted, the publication added.
"Today Ukrainians celebrate their Independence Day, as our king noted, praising the "indomitable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people." Today they are fighting a fierce battle to preserve that independence, which the tyrant Putin would destroy," the conservative British newspaper "Telegraph" began its article on the subject. The author regrets that although the words "Independence Day" should have a special resonance for Americans, it becomes clear that the US is once again forcing Ukrainians to “fight with one hand tied behind their backs“, blocking the launch of long-range missiles towards Russia. The article draws parallels between Trump's current actions and those of then-British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in Munich in 1938, “when the British leader returned from negotiations with the aggressor, waving some vague promises“.
The European edition of Politico magazine highlights the surprise visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Kiev on Independence Day. "Carney's debut in a war zone," the publication notes, highlights Canada's role in the "coalition of the willing" - the European-led countries offering military support to Ukraine. At the same time, it also notes the influence of the large Ukrainian diaspora in Canada - the second largest in the world. "Canada's support for Ukraine is unwavering. We are with you every step of the way, in your fight to defend your sovereignty and realize your dreams for your country,“ Carney said during his speech.
Carney's arrival in Kiev completes the historical chain that connects Canada to the war-torn nation, from first welcoming Ukrainian settlers in 1891 to becoming the first Western country to recognize Ukraine as a state in December 1991 to Ottawa's now decade-long mission to lead the training of Ukrainian military personnel to repel Russian invaders, recalls “Politico“. Meanwhile, Carney said during his visit that he did not rule out the possibility of Canadian military personnel playing some role in ensuring Ukraine's security against Russia in the event of a peace agreement. This has become a major topic in the North American country's press.
“We are working with our allies and the coalition of the willing, as well as with Ukraine, on the terms of these security guarantees on land, in the air and at sea, and I would not rule out the presence of troops“, said Carney, quoted by the “Globe and Mail“ newspaper. The prime minister added that the basis of the security guarantee is a strong Ukrainian Armed Forces, military equipment and training capacity, supported by a coalition of the willing, potentially including the United States “in matters of intelligence and other support“. At a press conference later, Mr. Carney added: “It is not realistic for the only security guarantee to be the strength of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the medium term. So that has to be supported. It must be strengthened.“
In his speech, Carney said that his own upbringing reflected Ukraine and its diaspora in Canada, in turn, notes the Canadian “National Post“.
“I grew up on the Canadian prairies, where my horizon looked like your flag. Where my classmates bore your names, and their parents and grandparents spoke your language. The Ukrainian people are part of Canada's history, a history whose best chapters are yet to be written,“ he said.
Experts quoted by the publication said that Canada has a vested interest in allying with Ukraine and other Western countries in defense against an expansionist Russia, including the Arctic territories. They say it is important to maintain momentum within the coalition, rather than taking steps back as in the past.
The Toronto Star, for its part, notes that Ukrainian Canadians who celebrated Independence Day in style appreciated Mark Carney's visit to Kyiv while their loved ones are still defending their own sovereignty at home. They told the publication that the day was bittersweet and appreciated that Prime Minister Mark Carney was also celebrating it in Kyiv with President Zelensky during a surprise visit.